Distributed Farming System and Components Thereof

ABSTRACT

Methods, apparatus, systems and processor-readable storage media for distributed farming are provided herein. A computer-implemented method includes facilitating transfer of one or more substrates and one or more crops at approximately a given stage of a growth cycle, from (i) a first location to (ii) one or more growing units, wherein the given stage of the growth cycle comprises a stage prior to completion of the growth cycle; processing data, captured via multiple sensors within the one or more growing units, wherein the data comprise (i) data pertaining to at least one of the one or more substrates and the one or more crops, and (ii) data pertaining to the one or more growing units; and performing one or more automated actions based at least in part on the processing of the data.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 16/048,965, filed Jul. 30, 2018, entitled “Distributed FarmingSystem and Components Thereof,” and claims priority to U.S. ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 62/539,098, filed Jul. 31, 2017, both of which areincorporated by reference herein.

FIELD

The field relates generally to information technology, and moreparticularly to techniques for agricultural-related technologies.

BACKGROUND

Traditional farms face increasing challenges in providing fresh produceat reasonable costs to expanding consumer bases. Such challenges can becaused, for example, by distribution issues, pricing variability, andinconsistency of the farmer and/or agricultural parameters.

Accordingly, a need exists for techniques and/or mechanisms forgenerating produce more efficiently, particularly with respect togeographic and meteorological constraints faced by traditional farms.

SUMMARY

Illustrative embodiments of the invention provide a distributed farmingsystem and components thereof. An exemplary computer-implemented methodcan include facilitating transfer of one or more items of produce, atapproximately a given stage of a growth cycle of the one or more itemsof produce, from (i) a first location to (ii) one or more remote growingunits, wherein the given stage of the growth cycle comprises a stageprior to completion of the growth cycle. Such a method can also includeanalyzing data, captured via multiple sensors within the one or moreremote growing units, wherein the data comprise (i) data pertaining tothe one or more items of produce and (ii) data pertaining to the one ormore remote growing units, and wherein the analyzing is carried out byat least one centralized server communicatively linked to the one ormore remote growing units. Further, such a method can additionallyinclude transmitting, via the at least one centralized server to the oneor more remote growing units, one or more instructions pertaining to anadjustment to at least one of multiple growing parameters within the oneor more remote growing units, wherein the transmitting is based at leastin part on the analyzing of the data, and wherein the transmittingoccurs during one or more stages of the growth cycle that is between (i)the given stage and (ii) completion of the growth cycle.

In another embodiment of the invention, a system can include at leastone centralized server comprising at least one processor operablycoupled to a memory, and multiple distributed devices, each comprisingat least one processor operably coupled to a memory, wherein each of themultiple distributed devices comprises a collection of one or moresensors, and wherein each of the multiple distributed devices isconnected to the at least one centralized server via a network. In sucha system, the multiple distributed devices automatically transmit data,captured via the collection of one or more sensors, to the at least onecentralized server, wherein the data comprise information related togrowth of one or more items of produce within the multiple distributeddevices. Additionally, in such a system, the at least one centralizedserver automatically transmits one or more instructions to one or moreof the multiple distributed devices based at least in part on the datatransmitted from the multiple distributed devices.

These and other illustrative embodiments described herein include,without limitation, methods, apparatus, networks, systems andprocessor-readable storage media.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a computer network configured fordistributed farming in an illustrative embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is an exterior view of a miniature farm, in accordance with anexample embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3A is a system diagram of a miniature farm, in accordance with anexample embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3B is a system diagram of a miniature farm, in accordance with anexample embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a system diagram of a miniature farm, in accordance with anexample embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of a process for distributed farming in anillustrative embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As detailed herein, one or more embodiments of the invention includegenerating and providing a distributed farming system and use ofcomponents thereof. By way of illustration, a traditional farm cancommonly include acres of physical farmland and/or greenhouse space usedto grow produce. In contrast, a distributed farming system and/ornetwork can include utilization of the same amount of total physicalfarm space, but breaking-up such space across multiple users vianetworked miniature farms (also referred to herein as “mini-farms”). Asused herein, miniature farms (or mini-farms) refer to distinct growingunits for one or more crops, wherein such growing units can be automatedand/or remotely-managed.

Illustrative embodiments of the invention will be described herein withreference to exemplary computer networks and associated computers,servers, network devices or other types of processing devices. It is tobe appreciated, however, that the invention is not restricted to usewith the particular illustrative network and device configurationsshown. Accordingly, the term “computer network” as used herein isintended to be broadly construed, so as to encompass, for example, anysystem comprising multiple networked processing devices.

FIG. 1 shows a computer network 100 configured in accordance with anillustrative embodiment of the invention. The computer network 100comprises a plurality of distributed farming devices 102-1, 102-2, . . .102-K, collectively referred to herein as distributed farming devices102. The distributed farming devices 102 are coupled to a network 104,where the network 104 in this embodiment is assumed to represent asub-network or other related portion of the larger computer network 100.Accordingly, elements 100 and 104 are both referred to herein asexamples of “networks” but the latter is assumed to be a component ofthe former in the context of the FIG. 1 embodiment. Also coupled to thenetwork 104 is a centralized distributed farming server 105. Thedistributed farming devices 102 may comprise, for example, automatedmini-farms or other remotely-managed growing units (such as, forexample, depicted in FIG. 2), which are located at end-user-relatedlocations (and remote from a centralized distributed farming growinghub). The distributed farming devices 102 may also comprise, forexample, growing units located at a centralized distributed farminggrowing hub. The distributed farming devices 102, as illustrated in FIG.1, connect (wirelessly or via a hard-wired connection) to thecentralized distributed farming server 105 via network 104. Accordingly,an example embodiment of the invention such as depicted in FIG. 1includes distributing a growing area across multiple users (via thedistributed farming devices), whereby the users effectively host aportion of the growing area on-site.

Also, one or more embodiments of the invention can include remotelyoperating farms on-site at the user location. In such an embodiment, agrowing unit/device is installed at a user-determined location, andsubsequently remotely operated and managed by one or more humans and/orservers via the internet and/or a network interface. One or more suchembodiments can include remote growing of one or more crops via the useof sensors, automation, and communication connectivity to a centralizedserver.

Referring again to FIG. 1, in one or more embodiments of the invention,each distributed farming device 102 is assumed to be implemented usingat least one processing device. Each such processing device generallycomprises at least one processor and an associated memory, andimplements one or more functional modules for controlling certainfeatures of the distributed farming device 102. Also, in at least oneembodiment of the invention, each distributed farming device 102 iscoupled to a power source and one or more water hook-ups.

Additionally, the distributed farming devices 102 can be coupled to oneor more additional devices such as mobile telephones, laptop computers,tablet computers, desktop computers or other types of computing devices.

The distributed farming devices 102 in some embodiments are coupled torespective computers associated with a particular company, organizationor other enterprise. Numerous other operating scenarios involving a widevariety of different types and arrangements of processing devices andnetworks are possible, as will be appreciated by those skilled in theart.

Also, it is to be appreciated that the term “user” herein is intended tobe broadly construed so as to encompass, for example, human, hardware,software or firmware entities, as well as various combinations of suchentities.

The network 104 is assumed to comprise a portion of a global computernetwork such as the Internet, although other types of networks can bepart of the computer network 100, including a wide area network (WAN), alocal area network (LAN), a satellite network, a telephone or cablenetwork, a cellular network, a wireless network such as a Wi-Fi or WiMAXnetwork, a 4G network, or various portions or combinations of these andother types of networks. The computer network 100 in some embodimentstherefore comprises combinations of multiple different types ofnetworks, each comprising processing devices configured to communicateusing internet protocol (IP) or other related communication protocols.

The centralized distributed farming server 105 has an associateddatabase 106 configured to store data related to distributed farming.The database 106 more particularly stores produce data 107, whichillustratively comprise produce-specific information (such as, forexample, various growing parameters and acceptable values thereof), aswell as distributed farming device data 109, which illustrativelycomprise device- or user-specific information (such as further describedherein).

The database 106 in the present embodiment can be implemented using oneor more storage systems associated with the centralized distributedfarming server 105. Such storage systems can comprise any of a varietyof different types of storage including network-attached storage (NAS),storage area networks (SANs), direct-attached storage (DAS) anddistributed DAS, as well as combinations of these and other storagetypes, including software-defined storage.

Also associated with the centralized distributed farming server 105 areinput-output devices 108, which illustratively comprise keyboards,displays or other types of input-output devices in any combination. Suchinput-output devices are used to support one or more user interfaces tothe centralized distributed farming server 105, as well as to supportcommunication between the centralized distributed farming server 105 andother related systems and devices not explicitly shown.

The centralized distributed farming server 105 in the FIG. 1 embodimentis assumed to be implemented using at least one processing device. Eachsuch processing device generally comprises at least one processor and anassociated memory, and implements one or more functional modules forcontrolling certain features of the centralized distributed farmingserver 105.

More particularly, the centralized distributed farming server 105 inthis embodiment comprises a processor 120 coupled to a memory 122 and anetwork interface 124.

The processor 120 illustratively comprises a microprocessor, amicrocontroller, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), afield-programmable gate array (FPGA) or other type of processingcircuitry, as well as portions or combinations of such circuitryelements.

The memory 122 illustratively comprises random access memory (RAM),read-only memory (ROM) or other types of memory, in any combination. Thememory 122 and other memories disclosed herein may be viewed as examplesof what are more generally referred to as “processor-readable storagemedia” storing executable computer program code or other types ofsoftware programs.

One or more embodiments of the invention can also include articles ofmanufacture, such as computer-readable storage media. Examples of anarticle of manufacture include, without limitation, a storage devicesuch as a storage disk, a storage array or an integrated circuitcontaining memory, as well as a wide variety of other types of computerprogram products. The term “article of manufacture” as used hereinshould be understood to exclude transitory, propagating signals.

The network interface 124 allows the centralized distributed farmingserver 105 to communicate over the network 104 with the distributedfarming devices 102, and illustratively comprises one or moreconventional transceivers.

The processor 120 further comprises a distributed farming devicemonitoring component 130, a distributed farming device controller 132,and an alert generator 134.

It is to be appreciated that this particular arrangement of modules 130,132 and 134 illustrated in the processor 120 of the FIG. 1 embodiment ispresented by way of example only, and alternative arrangements can beused in other embodiments. For example, the functionality associatedwith the modules 130, 132 and 134 in other embodiments can be combinedinto a single module, or separated across a larger number of modules. Asanother example, multiple distinct processors can be used to implementdifferent ones of the modules 130, 132 and 134 or portions thereof.

Also, at least portions of the distributed farming device monitoringcomponent 130, distributed farming device controller 132, and alertgenerator 134 may be implemented at least in part in the form ofsoftware that is stored in memory 122 and executed by processor 120.

It is to be understood that the particular set of elements shown in FIG.1 for distributed farming involving distributed farming devices 102 ofcomputer network 100 is presented by way of illustrative example only,and in other embodiments additional or alternative elements may be used.Thus, another embodiment may include additional or alternative systems,devices and other network entities, as well as different arrangements ofmodules and other components.

By way of example, in other embodiments, the centralized distributedfarming server 105 can be eliminated and associated elements such asdistributed farming device monitoring component 130, distributed farmingdevice controller 132, and alert generator 134 can be implementedelsewhere in the computer network 100.

An exemplary process utilizing distributed farming device monitoringcomponent 130, distributed farming device controller 132, and alertgenerator 134 of the centralized distributed farming server 105 incomputer network 100 will be described below, as well as in additionaldetail in connection with the flow diagram of FIG. 5.

At least one embodiment of the invention includes providing an end-userand/or distribution center with an automated mini-farm (such as, forexample, device 102 in FIG. 1) to be installed at theend-user/distribution center location (remote from a centralizeddistribution farming growing hub). Such end-users and/or distributioncenters can include, for example, restaurants, individuals atresidential or commercial locations, grocery stores, markets, and/ordistributors. The end-users and/or distribution centers can also requestone or more specific types of produce to ultimately be grown andharvested from the provided mini-farm. Such types of produce, by waymerely of example and not limitation, can include one or more varietiesof mushrooms, one or more varieties of herbs, one or more varieties ofleafy greens, as well as other types of fruits and vegetables.

Additionally, growing units (such as, for example, device 102 in FIG.1), located at a centralized distributed farming growing hub, can beutilized for one or more initial stages of growing the desired produce.These centralized growing units interact with a centralized distributedfarming server (such as, for example, device 105 in FIG. 1) to carry outone or more initial stages of produce growth. By way of example, inconnection with the growing units, sawdust, one or more nutrients, andone or more sterilization tools can be utilized to carry out the initialstages of produce growth. Upon reaching the desired stage of growth, theliving produce is physically transferred from the growing units locatedat the centralized distributed farming growing hub to one or moremini-farms located on-site at one or more end user locations, where theproduce is grown to the final stage of growth. By way of example,produce can be grown in a centralized growing unit to a point ofapproximately 75% completion (that is, 75% of the lifecycle towardsharvesting), at which point the living produce is then transferred toone or more mini-farms at the end-user location, where the remainingapproximately 25% of growth (as well as the act of harvesting) canoccur. In such an example, by growing produce 75% of the way (towardsharvesting) and then distributing the produce out to one or morenetworked mini-farms, one or more embodiments of the invention includethe ability to maintain strict quality control, increase farmproductivity, and limit the space required for each on-site mini-farm.

Further, in at least one embodiment of the invention, end-users cansubscribe to the above-described service, wherein such a subscriptioncan include scheduled and/or periodic deliveries of colonized substrateand pre-grown crops to the end-user (to be placed inside of thecorresponding mini-farm(s)). The crops then finish the growth cycle inthe end-user's mini-farm, at which point the end-user can harvest thefresh produce at his or her discretion.

Also, in one or more embodiments of the invention, devices or growingunits (such as devices 102 in FIG. 1) can disconnect from thecentralized server (105 in FIG. 1, for example) and involuntarily gooffline and still be periodically provided updates from the server. Insuch an embodiment, the server can push one or more updates to devicevia periodic connections. For example, such an update can includegrowing parameters for a new/different crop that the user wishes to growin the unit.

Additionally, in at least one embodiment of the invention, baselineparameters for growing a particular crop are pre-installed (by server105, for example) in a device (such as device 102 in FIG. 1).Subsequently, the device can maintain a connection to the server via anetwork (via Wi-Fi, for example), and the server can collect data fromthe device (as further detailed herein). If the network connectivity isinterrupted, however, the device can store data locally until theconnection is restored with the server or until such time that thedevice self-deletes the storage.

FIG. 2 is an exterior view of a miniature farm 200 (which can representan example of distributed farming device 102 in FIG. 1), in accordancewith an example embodiment of the invention. It is to be appreciatedthat growing units located at a centralized distributed farming growinghub contain features and components similar to those depicted in theminiature farm 200. It is also to be appreciated that the miniature farm200 depicted in FIG. 2 is merely an example, and multiple alternativedesigns can be implemented in connection with one or more embodiments ofthe invention.

Accordingly, by way of merely of illustration, FIG. 2 depicts anetworked miniature farm 200 that includes a contained-environment plantproduction system. In one or more embodiments of the invention,networked mini-farms (such as mini-farm 200) are climate-controlledvertical farms, applying advanced lighting and water recirculation tohigh-density growth chambers. The unit itself can be enclosed andcontrolled by a custom sensor suite, which is networked and monitoredremotely by technicians and/or a centralized server to ensure properfunctionality.

FIG. 3A is a system diagram of a miniature farm 300 (which can representan example of distributed farming device 102 in FIG. 1), in accordancewith an example embodiment of the invention. By way of illustration,FIG. 3A depicts callouts of example miniature farm 300 that include oneor more vent tubes 302, one or more irrigation tubes 304 (which can, byway merely of example, carry out multiple methods of hydroponics), anair filter device 306, an irrigation component 308, an air controlreservoir (related to controlling humidity) 310 and an irrigationreservoir 312. Additionally, at least one embodiment of the inventioncan include implementing an air handling and/or air filtration system(such as further detailed herein) that can be scaled for implementationin larger and/or commercial farming environments.

More specifically, ventilation (vent) tubes 302 are used to distributeconditioned air into the shelves/compartments 301-1, 301-2 and 301-3(collectively, shelves 301) of the miniature farm 300, and push airthroughout the enclosure (of miniature farm 300). In one or moreembodiments of the invention, air pushed through the vent tubes 302 canbe humidified, dehumidified, heated, cooled, or injected with variousgases to ensure and/or facilitate proper growth of the crop/producewithin the miniature farm 300, and/or to clean the miniature farm 300,if necessary. The type of air that is distributed through the vent tubes302 can be monitored and/or controlled by one or more sensors placedthroughout the miniature farm 300, ensuring that the appropriate amountand/or type of air is being provided through the system. Additionally,at least one embodiment of the invention can also include implementationof one or more fans throughout the vent tubes 302 to ensure and/orfacilitate an appropriate level of air pressure therein, and such fanscan include one or more electronic valves that can control distributionto an even finer level.

As also depicted in FIG. 3A, irrigation tubes 304 are implemented tocarry water used to irrigate the crop/produce within the miniature farm300, as necessary. Such water can be, for example, fresh water orfertigated water, depending on the crop/produce being grown in theminiature farm 300. Also, such water can also be used, for example, tocarry one or more cleaning agents, when necessary. In one or moreembodiments of the invention, irrigation can be provided to theminiature farm 300 via a mechanical pump, which is pressurized whenrunning. Such irrigation can be distributed from the irrigation tubes304 via one or more misters, tubes, or any other type of plumbing.

Additionally, as noted above, FIG. 3A depicts air filter device 306,which is used to filter air from within the miniature farm 300 as wellas outside the miniature farm 300, to create and/or ensure a clean airenvironment within the miniature farm 300. The air filter device 306 canuse, for example, various types of filters that can filter out spores,dust, and/or random particulate matter that may harm the miniature farm300 and/or crop/produce growth therein.

Also, as depicted in FIG. 3A, irrigation component 308, which caninclude, for example, a hydroponic irrigation component, is used tohydrate blocks, produce, soil, substrate, etc., inside of the miniaturefarm 300. Additionally, irrigation reservoir 312 can hold water that isused to supply the irrigation tubes 304. Such water can be pumped, by amechanical pump, for example, from the irrigation reservoir 312 to theirrigation tubes 304, and the chemistry of the water can be managedthrough one or more sensors and/or one or more fertigation pumps, asnecessary. Also, in one or more embodiments of the invention, theirrigation reservoir 312 can have automatic nutrient dosing andchemistry control through one or more sensors and/or pumps.

Further, as also depicted in FIG. 3A, air control reservoir 310 isimplemented to hold water that is used to humidify air that is sentthrough the miniature farm 300. In at least one embodiment of theinvention, the air control reservoir 310 can use one or more types ofhumidification techniques (including, for example, the use of ultrasonicfoggers). Also, in one or more embodiments of the invention, the air inthe air control reservoir 310 can be cooled before it is sent to therest of the miniature farm 300 via the vent tubes 302.

FIG. 3B is a system diagram of miniature farm 300, in accordance with anexample embodiment of the invention. By way of illustration, FIG. 3Bdepicts sensors of the example miniature farm 300 that include one ormore climate-related sensors 320. Such climate-related sensors 320 caninclude, for example, carbon dioxide (CO₂) sensors, air temperaturesensors, O₂ sensors, and/or humidity sensors. FIG. 3B also depicts oneor more structural sensors 322, wherein such structural sensors 322 caninclude, for example, weight (of the crop) sensors, visual sensors (suchas cameras, sonar, etc.), and/or door sensors (to determine whether adoor of the miniature farm 300 is open or closed). Additionally, FIG. 3Bdepicts light sensors 324, wherein such light sensors 324 can include,for example, photosynthetic active radiation (PAR) sensors, and/orON/OFF sensors (in connection with one or more lighting mechanismswithin the miniature farm 300). FIG. 3B also depicts humidity reservoirsensors 326, which can include water level sensors, and irrigationreservoir sensors 328. Such irrigation reservoir sensors 328 caninclude, for example, pH sensors, electrical conductivity (EC) sensors,oxidation reduction potential (ORP) sensors, water temperature sensors,and/or water level sensors. Further, in at least one embodiment of theinvention, an example miniature farm such as farm 300 can also includeadditional sensors such as Wi-Fi ON/OFF sensors, and power ON/OFFsensors.

Accordingly, an example mini-farm can be outfitted with Wi-Fi, allowinga server and/or human experts/growers at remote locations (such as, forexample, a centralized hub) to monitor and control the mini-farmremotely. By way merely of example and not limitation, examplemini-farms can have dimensions such as two feet by four feet, three feetby six feet, three feet by twelve feet, and/or dimensions analogous to astandard shipping container.

Also, in at least one embodiment of the invention, one or more growthand/or climate parameters within the mini-farm can be monitored andupdated remotely by a centralized server. Similarly, the mini-farms canprovide periodic and/or continuous data to the centralized server. Byway of example and not limitation, such data can include CO₂ data, airtemperature data, O₂ data, humidity data, device shelf weight, visualdata (for computer vision), sonar data (to determine the distance of thecrop from a sensor, for example), electro-conductivity of the substrate,pH of the substrate, opening and/or shutting of device doors, waterreservoir electro-conductivity, water reservoir pH, water reservoiroxygen reduction potential, water reservoir temperature, PAR of lights,water level, power on/off, Wi-Fi on/off, etc.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, given that the mini-farm isa controlled environment, no pesticides are required. In at least oneembodiment of the invention, compostable, organic growing media andsubstrate are provided in the mini-farm with the nearly fully-grownproduce, and no produce packaging outside of delivery containers isgenerated or required. That said, in one or more embodiments of theinvention, specialized delivery containers to transport living producefrom a centralized growing hub to distributed growing units can beimplemented and/or utilized in order to optimize the distributed farmingprocess detailed herein.

FIG. 4 is a system diagram of a miniature farm 400 (which can representanother example of distributed farming device 102 in FIG. 1), inaccordance with an example embodiment of the invention. By way ofillustration, FIG. 4 depicts evaporator components 402, ventilation(vent) holes 404, a compressor 406, and an ultrasonic fogging(humidification) system 408. As also depicted in FIG. 4, air isextracted from each of the shelves 401-1, 401-2, 401-3 and 401-4(collectively, shelves 401) in the miniature farm 400, and fresh and/orexternally-provided air is mixed with this extracted air. This mixed aircan then be provided to the humidification system (that is, theultrasonic fogging system 408), which then outputs humid air, which isprovided to each shelf 401 via individual and/or separate calls.

Additionally, 402 when the miniature farm 400 requires in-shelftemperature control, evaporators 402 are used to control thetemperature. The evaporators 402 can include cooling coils withevaporator fans to draw excess heat from each shelf 401 in the miniaturefarm 400. Additionally, such evaporators 402 can include drains thatdirect collected water from the cooling process into a humidificationreservoir, and each evaporator can be controlled independently. Also,compressor 406 is utilized to draw heat from the evaporators 402. In oneor more embodiments of the invention, the compressor 406 and evaporators402 can be wired in such a way that allows each shelf 401 of theminiature farm 400 to be controlled independently.

As also depicted in FIG. 4, vent holes 404 can be implemented throughoutthe miniature farm 400 to allow the miniature farm 400 to vent air whennecessary. Such venting can be carried out, for example, passively orthrough one or more fans connected to each vent hole 404.

Additionally, as depicted in FIG. 4, ultrasonic fogging system (foggers)408 can be used to atomize the water in an air handling reservoir toprovide one or more levels of humidity into the miniature farm 400. Byway of example, in at least one embodiment of the invention, theultrasonic fogging system 408 is activated and/or turned on only whencalled for by the sensor suite of the miniature farm 400.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of a process for distributed farming in anillustrative embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, theprocess includes steps 502 through 506. These steps are assumed to beperformed by the processor 120 utilizing its modules 130, 132 and 134.

Step 502 includes facilitating transfer of one or more items of produce,at approximately a given stage of a growth cycle of the one or moreitems of produce, from (i) a first location to (ii) one or more remotegrowing units, wherein the given stage of the growth cycle comprises astage prior to completion of the growth cycle. The one or more items ofproduce can include, for example, one or more varieties of mushrooms,one or more varieties of herbs, one or more types of fruits, and/or oneor more types of vegetables.

Step 504 includes analyzing data, captured via multiple sensors withinthe one or more remote growing units, wherein the data comprise (i) datapertaining to the one or more items of produce and (ii) data pertainingto the one or more remote growing units, and wherein the analyzing iscarried out by at least one centralized server communicatively linked tothe one or more remote growing units. Such a step can be carried out,for example, by distributed farming device monitoring component 130 inthe FIG. 1 embodiment of the invention.

Analyzing the data can include tracking, over one or more stages of thegrowth cycle, one or more items of data pertaining to the one or moreitems of produce. Additionally, analyzing the data can include tracking,over a given temporal interval, one or more items of data pertaining tothe one or more remote growing units. Also, analyzing the data caninclude processing, by the at least one centralized server, the captureddata from the one or more remote growing units on a periodic basisand/or on a continuous basis.

The multiple sensors can include one or more climate-related sensors,such as, for example, one or more CO₂ sensors, one or more airtemperature sensors, one or more O₂ sensors, and/or one or more humiditysensors. The multiple sensors can also include one or more structuralsensors, such as, for example, one or more weight sensors, one or morevisual sensors, and/or one or more door sensors. Also, the multiplesensors can include one or more light-related sensors, such as, forexample, one or more photosynthetic active radiation sensors. Further,the multiple sensors can include one or more humidity reservoir sensors,such as, for example, one or more water level sensors, one or moreirrigation reservoir sensors, one or more pH sensors, one or moreelectrical conductivity sensors, one or more oxidation reductionpotential sensors, one or more water temperature sensors, and/or one ormore water level sensors.

Step 506 includes transmitting, via the at least one centralized serverto the one or more remote growing units, one or more instructionspertaining to an adjustment to at least one of multiple growingparameters within the one or more remote growing units, wherein thetransmitting is based at least in part on the analyzing of the data, andwherein the transmitting occurs during one or more stages of the growthcycle that is between (i) the given stage and (ii) completion of thegrowth cycle. Such a step can be carried out, for example, bydistributed farming device controller 132 in the FIG. 1 embodiment ofthe invention.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the one or moreinstructions cause the adjustment to the at least one growing parameterto be carried out automatically by the one or more remote growing units.Additionally, transmitting the one or more instructions can includepushing, via the at least one centralized server, one or more updates tothe one or more remote growing units via periodic connections.

At least one or more embodiments of the invention can also includegrowing the one or more items of produce through the given stage of thegrowth cycle, and/or contracting, with a third-party grower/farmer, togrow the one or more items of produce through the given stage of thegrowth cycle.

Additionally, in one or more embodiments of the invention, the remotegrowing units can execute algorithms to automatically test one or moreparameters (within the remote growing units) and/or yield of the one ormore items of produce, and transmit (push) the test results to the atleast one centralized server. Based on such results, the at least onecentralized server and/or the remote growing units can learn improvedand/or optimized growing conditions/parameters within the remote growingunits for particular items of produce.

In another embodiment of the invention, a system can include at leastone centralized server comprising at least one processor operablycoupled to a memory, and multiple distributed devices, each comprisingat least one processor operably coupled to a memory, wherein each of themultiple distributed devices comprises a collection of one or moresensors, and wherein each of the multiple distributed devices isconnected to the at least one centralized server via a network.

In such a system, the multiple distributed devices automaticallytransmit data, captured via the collection of one or more sensors, tothe at least one centralized server, wherein the data compriseinformation related to growth of one or more items of produce within themultiple distributed devices. The information related to growth of theone or more items of produce can include, for example, yield-relatedinformation, information pertaining to one or more environmentalparameters within one or more of the multiple distributed devices,and/or information pertaining to one or more device parametersassociated with one or more of the multiple distributed devices. Also,the data captured via the collection of sensors can include image data.Further, in one or more embodiments of the invention, one or more of themultiple distributed devices can automatically request information fromthe at least one centralized server.

Additionally, in such a system, the at least one centralized serverautomatically transmits one or more instructions to one or more of themultiple distributed devices based at least in part on the datatransmitted from the multiple distributed devices. The one or moreinstructions can include, for example, one or more instructions toautomatically modify one or more environmental parameters within the oneor more distributed devices.

In at least one embodiment of the invention, such a system can be aself-learning system, in that the system can, for example, perform testsand learn from yields, experiments, mistakes, etc. Additionally, such asystem, via the collection of sensors, can track a variety of data (asdetailed herein), including yield, images, user interaction, etc.

Numerous other techniques can be used in association with one or moreembodiments of the invention. Accordingly, the particular processingoperations and other network functionality described in conjunction withthe flow diagram of FIG. 5 are presented by way of illustrative exampleonly, and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the inventionin any way. For example, the ordering of the process steps may be variedin other embodiments, or certain steps may be performed concurrentlywith one another rather than serially. Also, as indicated previously,the process steps or subsets thereof may be repeated periodically inconjunction with respective distinct instances of distributed farmingtechniques with respect to different users.

By way of example, in one or more additional embodiments of theinvention, the distributed farming devices (such as devices 102 inFIG. 1) can be replaced with sensor suites having the ability tocommunicate with a centralized server (such as server 105 in FIG. 1).

The above-described illustrative embodiments provide significantadvantages relative to conventional approaches. For example, someembodiments are configured to provide produce harvested on-site at anend-user's location, limiting travel effects. Additionally, one or moreembodiments include utilizing significantly less water than traditionalfarming, and less energy than traditional cold storage techniques.

It is to be appreciated that the foregoing advantages are illustrativeof advantages provided in certain embodiments, and need not be presentin other embodiments.

The computer networks disclosed herein are illustratively implementedusing one or more processing platforms, examples of which will now bedescribed in greater detail. A given such processing platform comprisesat least one processing device comprising a processor coupled to amemory.

In some embodiments, portions of a computer network as disclosed hereinillustratively comprise cloud infrastructure. The cloud infrastructurein some embodiments comprises a plurality of containers implementedusing container host devices. More particularly, the cloudinfrastructure in one or more illustrative embodiments comprisescontainer-based virtualization infrastructure configured to implementDocker containers or other types of Linux containers (LXCs).

The cloud infrastructure may additionally or alternatively compriseother types of virtualization infrastructure such as virtual machinesimplemented using a hypervisor. The underlying physical machines maycomprise one or more distributed processing platforms that include oneor more storage systems.

The cloud infrastructure mentioned above may represent at least aportion of one processing platform. Another example of such a processingplatform is a plurality of processing devices which communicate with oneanother over a network. The network may comprise any type of network,including, by way of example, a global computer network such as theInternet, a WAN, a LAN, a satellite network, a telephone or cablenetwork, a cellular network, a wireless network such as a 4G network,Wi-Fi or WiMAX network, or various portions or combinations of these andother types of networks.

Each processing device of the processing platform comprises a processorcoupled to a memory. The processor may comprise a microprocessor, amicrocontroller, an ASIC, an FPGA or other type of processing circuitry,as well as portions or combinations of such circuitry elements. Thememory may comprise RAM, ROM or other types of memory, in anycombination. The memory and other memories disclosed herein should beviewed as illustrative examples of what are more generally referred toas “processor-readable storage media” storing executable program code ofone or more software programs.

As indicated above, articles of manufacture and other computer programproducts comprising such processor-readable storage media are consideredembodiments of the present invention.

As another processing platform example, portions of a given processingplatform in some embodiments can comprise converged infrastructure.

The particular processing platforms described above are presented by wayof example only, and a given computer network such as computer network100 may include additional or alternative processing platforms, as wellas numerous distinct processing platforms in any combination, with eachsuch platform comprising one or more computers, servers, storage devicesor other processing devices.

Processing devices and other computer network components can communicatewith one another using a variety of different communication protocolsand associated communication media.

It should again be emphasized that the above-described embodiments ofthe invention are presented for purposes of illustration only. Manyvariations may be made in the particular arrangements shown. Forexample, although described in the context of particular network anddevice configurations, the techniques are applicable to a wide varietyof other types of computer networks and processing deviceconfigurations. Also, different types and arrangements of components andparameters can be used in other embodiments. Moreover, the assumptionsmade herein in the context of describing some illustrative embodimentsshould not be construed as limitations or requirements of the invention,and need not apply in other embodiments. Numerous other alternativeembodiments within the scope of the appended claims will be readilyapparent to those skilled in the art.

What is claimed is:
 1. A computer-implemented method comprising:facilitating transfer of one or more substrates and one or more crops atapproximately a given stage of a growth cycle, from (i) a first locationto (ii) one or more growing units, wherein the given stage of the growthcycle comprises a stage prior to completion of the growth cycle;processing data, captured via multiple sensors within the one or moregrowing units, wherein the data comprise (i) data pertaining to at leastone of the one or more substrates and the one or more crops, and (ii)data pertaining to the one or more growing units; and performing one ormore automated actions based at least in part on the processing of thedata.
 2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein performingthe one or more automated actions comprises transmitting one or moreinstructions to cause an adjustment to at least one growing parameter tobe carried out automatically by the one or more growing units.
 3. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 2, wherein transmitting the one ormore instructions comprises pushing, via at least one centralizedserver, one or more updates to the one or more growing units viaperiodic connections.
 4. The computer-implemented method of claim 1,wherein processing the data comprises tracking, over one or more stagesof the growth cycle, one or more items of data pertaining to the one ormore crops.
 5. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, whereinprocessing the data comprises tracking, over a given temporal interval,one or more items of data pertaining to the one or more growing units.6. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the multiplesensors comprise one or more climate-related sensors.
 7. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 6, wherein the one or moreclimate-related sensors comprise at least one of (i) one or more carbondioxide (CO₂) sensors, (ii) one or more air temperature sensors, (iii)one or more O₂ sensors, and (iv) one or more humidity sensors.
 8. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the multiple sensorscomprise one or more structural sensors.
 9. The computer-implementedmethod of claim 8, wherein the one or more structural sensors compriseat least one of (i) one or more weight sensors, (ii) one or more visualsensors, and (iii) one or more door sensors.
 10. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the multiple sensorscomprise one or more light-related sensors.
 11. The computer-implementedmethod of claim 10, wherein the one or more light-related sensorscomprise one or more photosynthetic active radiation sensors.
 12. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the multiple sensorscomprise one or more humidity reservoir sensors.
 13. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 12, wherein the one or morehumidity reservoir sensors comprise at least one of (i) one or morewater level sensors, (ii) one or more irrigation reservoir sensors,(iii) one or more pH sensors, (iv) one or more electrical conductivitysensors, (v) one or more oxidation reduction potential sensors, (vi) oneor more water temperature sensors, and (vii) one or more water levelsensors.
 14. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, whereinprocessing the data comprises processing, using at least one centralizedserver, the captured data from the one or more growing units on at leastone of (i) a periodic basis and (ii) a continuous basis.
 15. Anapparatus comprising: a memory; and at least one processor operablycoupled to the memory and configured for: facilitating transfer of oneor more substrates and one or more crops at approximately a given stageof a growth cycle, from (i) a first location to (ii) one or more growingunits, wherein the given stage of the growth cycle comprises a stageprior to completion of the growth cycle; processing data, captured viamultiple sensors within the one or more growing units, wherein the datacomprise (i) data pertaining to at least one of the one or moresubstrates and the one or more crops, and (ii) data pertaining to theone or more growing units; and performing one or more automated actionsbased at least in part on the processing of the data.
 16. A systemcomprising: at least one centralized server comprising at least oneprocessor operably coupled to a memory; and multiple distributeddevices, each comprising at least one processor operably coupled to amemory, wherein each of the multiple distributed devices comprises acollection of one or more sensors, and wherein each of the multipledistributed devices is connected to the at least one centralized servervia a network; wherein the multiple distributed devices automaticallytransmit data, captured via the collection of one or more sensors, tothe at least one centralized server, wherein the data compriseinformation related to growth of one or more crops within the multipledistributed devices; and wherein the at least one centralized serverautomatically transmits one or more instructions to one or more of themultiple distributed devices based at least in part on the datatransmitted from the multiple distributed devices.
 17. The system ofclaim 16, wherein the information related to growth of the one or morecrops comprises at least one of (i) yield-related information, (ii)information pertaining to one or more environmental parameters withinone or more of the multiple distributed devices, and (iii) informationpertaining to one or more device parameters associated with one or moreof the multiple distributed devices.
 18. The system of claim 16, whereinthe data captured via the collection of one or more sensors compriseimage data.
 19. The system of claim 16, wherein the one or moreinstructions comprise one or more instructions to automatically modifyone or more environmental parameters within the one or more distributeddevices.
 20. The system of claim 16, wherein one or more of the multipledistributed devices automatically request information from the at leastone centralized server.